Dec 11 / Cambodia

Phnom Penh Crown FC players participate in an exhibition match against World Vision youth at the National Youth Forum. The football club was there to promote a healthy and active lifestyle to young footballers following a public awareness video created to express PP Crown FC's support to end child malnutrition in Cambodia.

A National Youth Forum in Cambodia welcomed players from Phnom Penh Crown FC, Cambodia's most famous football club, who were there to encourage the youth to live a healthy and active lifestyle as a means to combat malnutrition.

The football club teamed up with Child Health Now Cambodia, World Vision's global child health campaign, in August to create a video message to raise public awareness of Cambodia's child malnutrition issue.

Although Cambodia has made good progress in many areas of development, child malnutrition remains a particular challenge. Up to 40% of children in Cambodia are malnourished. Malnutrition is not only harmful to the health of each individual child, but it also reduces their working capacity as adults and limits the economic growth potential of the country.

Child Health Now Cambodia has been actively working to contribute to a positive change by calling for action, not only from the government and public but also from the private sector. The video clip featuring PP Crown FC players calls for action and support from the government to combat child malnutrition.

The video was also premiered at the 2014 World Vision National Youth Forum in Cambodia. PP Crown FC players participated in an exhibition match against World Vision Youth encouraging young athletes to pursue their football dreams, work hard, and ensure they have good nutrition which is the key ingredient to becoming a football champion.

The Club, along with World Vision and Child Health Now Cambodia, want to see that Cambodian children are healthy and energetic, and that they have a sporting chance for their future. Together they call for the government to take action to address this urgent issue by increasing funding and providing better coordination and leadership.